MILWAUKEE -- What was billed as "A Day Without Latinos" filled Milwaukee's streets with thousands of demonstrators Thursday.

Police estimate more than 10,000 people turned out to protest congressional efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants.

Organizers say the crowd was closer to 30,000. About 90 Latino-owned businesses were closed for all or part of the day in support.

As one protester put it, "We want to be equal."

The demonstrators oppose a bill that would make it a felony to live or work illegally in the United States.

President Calls For Civility

President President George W. Bush is calling for a "civil debate" over immigration policy -- a debate that respects people of all backgrounds.

Bush wants Congress to create a worker program under which participants could gain legal status for a specific time, and then be required to return home. It wouldn't provide an automatic path to citizenship.

A Senate panel is considering a bill with a guest worker program. But if that doesn't advance, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist plans to push a proposal that would tighten borders, punish employers who hire illegal immigrants, and provide more visas.

Bush said the United States is "a nation of laws" and "a nation of immigrants," and immigration policy should reflect "our deep desire to be a compassionate and decent nation."

Sen. Clinton: Bill Would Criminalize Jesus

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., joined immigration advocates Wednesday to block what she called a "mean-spirited" bill passed in December by the House that would make unlawful presence in the United States a felony.

The Senate is set to consider a version of that legislation, as well as several other bills on immigration reform.

She was quoted in the New York Times as saying, "It is hard to believe that a Republican leadership that is constantly talking about values and about faith would put forth such a mean-spirited piece of legislation."

The Times also quoted her as saying, "It is certainly not in keeping with my understanding of the Scripture because this bill would literally criminalize the Good Samaritan and probably even Jesus himself."

Volunteer Border Guards Will Patrol

The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, a volunteer organization that stakes out portions of the U.S.-Mexico border to help apprehend illegal immigrants, has announced plans for another monthlong border watch in April.

Jim Gilchrist, the head of the group, said on its Web site they hoped for as many as 7,000 volunteers to take part in the activity, with perhaps 1,000 volunteers to deploy in southern Arizona.

The group has drawn criticism from some who say its actions are a threat to immigrants, but they insist they only want a secure border. Their site states the group has, "No affiliation with, nor will we accept any assistance by or interference from, separatists, racists, or supremacy groups or individuals, no matter what their race, color, or creed."